John Textor, the co-owner of Crystal Palace, has recently disclosed that his bid to purchase the remaining shares in the club has not been successful. Despite his efforts, chairman Steve Parish and fellow investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer have not responded to his offer. As a result, Textor has shifted his focus to acquiring another Premier League side, Everton.
Textor, an American businessman who runs Eagle Football Holdings, has entered into a period of exclusivity after engaging in talks with Everton’s majority owner, Farhad Moshiri. This move signifies a shift in his investment strategy, as he looks to diversify his portfolio within the football industry.
With stakes in Brazilian side Botafogo, Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek, and Ligue 1 club Lyon, Textor has demonstrated a keen interest in expanding his ownership across various leagues and markets. His initial investment of £87.5 million into Crystal Palace in 2021 allowed him to secure a 40% stake in the club, which he later increased by an additional 5% after injecting £30 million into the Eagles.
In a statement on his website, Textor expressed his intentions to sell his interest in Crystal Palace in order to pursue a relationship with Everton. He highlighted the efforts made by his team to evaluate alternatives, including the possibility of acquiring a majority interest in Palace or opting for an outright sale. Despite offering a valuation that exceeded prior investments, Textor’s bid to acquire the remaining shares of Crystal Palace went unanswered by his partners.
As a result, Textor has resumed efforts to sell his interests in Crystal Palace and has received strong indications from qualified buyers. He remains optimistic about completing a sale to facilitate his entry into the Everton community and continue his journey as a football club owner.
Crystal Palace Bid
Textor’s experience with Crystal Palace has been marked by significant investments and aspirations for growth. His initial foray into the club in 2021 was met with enthusiasm as he took control of a substantial stake. However, the lack of response from his fellow investors regarding his bid for full ownership has prompted a reevaluation of his priorities.
Despite his disappointment in not securing complete ownership of Crystal Palace, Textor remains committed to the football industry and is actively seeking new opportunities. His decision to shift focus to Everton reflects his determination to explore alternative avenues for investment and involvement in the sport.
Everton Takeover
Textor’s pursuit of Everton as his next venture in football ownership demonstrates his willingness to adapt and explore new possibilities. By engaging in discussions with Farhad Moshiri, the majority owner of Everton, Textor is positioning himself to potentially become a key figure in the club’s future direction.
The exclusivity period that Textor has entered with Everton signals a serious intent to finalize a deal and establish a presence within the Premier League. With his track record of successful investments in various football clubs, Textor’s interest in Everton could bring about positive developments for the club and its supporters.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Textor’s journey in the football industry is poised for further expansion and evolution. His experience with Crystal Palace has laid the groundwork for future endeavors, as he seeks to leverage his expertise and resources in new opportunities.
As Textor navigates the complexities of ownership and investment in football clubs, his strategic approach and commitment to growth will continue to shape his trajectory in the industry. Whether through acquisitions, partnerships, or other collaborations, Textor’s presence in the football world is set to make a lasting impact.
In conclusion, John Textor’s bid for full ownership of Crystal Palace may not have materialized as planned, but his shift in focus to the Everton takeover underscores his resilience and determination in the face of challenges. As he embarks on this new chapter in his football ownership journey, Textor’s vision and strategic approach are sure to drive positive outcomes for both himself and the clubs he chooses to invest in.